There are a couple of moments in this game you could point to as pivotal: Michal Rozsival’s goal on the 5-on-3. The Rangers penalty kill at the start of the second period. The moment a few weeks ago when Martin Brodeur had to give way to Kevin Weekes.

I vote for the moment Brandon Dubinsky pounced on Zach Parise following the Devils’ first goal. There have been plenty of questions about the Rangers’ team toughness, particularly after the loss in Washington over the weekend. This one moment, which came in response to Parise’s cross-check of Dan Girardi, helped to provide an answer. It might not be a coincidence that the Rangers were the dominant team the rest of the way.

“I guess I just wanted to send a message that it’s not OK to hit a guy from behind like that, but that’s how it goes sometimes,” Dubinsky said. “The boys had a great kill, and when I came back to the bench, they said they’re willing to kill those ones off, and that’s all I needed to hear.”